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The Chandni Chowk means Moonlight Square which is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. It is located close to the Old Delhi railway station and the Red Fort is situated at the eastern fringes(borders) of Chandni Chowk. It was built in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter, Jahanara.
The market's history goes back to the founding of Shahjahanabad, the capital city built by Shah Jahan. The original Chandni Chowk, half-moon-shaped square, was situated before the Townhall. This road has three bazaars, Chandni Chowk consisting of 1560 shops, the bazaar was 40 yards wide and 1520 yards long.
The term Chandni Chowk was previously referred only to the square and today it was the entire area that runs through the middle of the walled city, from Laori Gate of the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Masjid, is known as Chandni Chowk.
The Urdu Bazaar is from Lahori Gate of Red Fort to Chowk Kotwali near Gurdwara Sahib. The Urdu language received its name from this field camp. Johri Bazar is from Chowk Kotwali to Chandni Chowk section of the straight road. While the Fatehpuri Bazar is from Chandni Chowk to Fatehpuri Masjid section of the straight road.
The road now called Chandni Chowk had several streets which were referred to as Kuchas(streets). Each kucha usually had several Katras(merchant halls) which in turn had several havelis(traditional townhouse).
Old Delhi railway station is located at a distance of around 2 KM from the Chandni Chowk and can be reached easily from the station by taking a local auto or bus.
